The Official Vortex Doors Blog

Category: Automatic Glass Doors

Automatic doors provide a convenient and labor-free alternative to traditional doors, making them a popular choice in many settings. Professionally installed automatic doors are reliable and safe, and annual inspections can help keep doors dependable for the long term. Inspectors and service technicians certified by the American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM) complete rigorous training programs and emerge with industry-leading credentials and a marketable set of skills.

Two types of AAADM certification programs exist: the AAADM Certified Inspector Training Program, and the AAADM Revolving Door Inspector Certification Program. Both programs are designed to improve automatic door safety while giving customers access to qualified professionals for their installation, repair, or maintenance needs.

How do automatic door inspectors become certified?

Candidates must meet specific criteria to qualify for either the Certified Inspector Training Program or the Revolving Door Inspector Certification Program. To qualify for enrollment, professionals must have experience in the electrical or revolving door industry between 90 days and six months. If they have already completed the factory training courses offered by their AAADM-member employers, they may gain access to an AAADM certification program more quickly.

Courses take place nationwide on a regular basis. Qualified individuals will learn how to install, inspect, and maintain automatic doors to strict industry standards. Once individuals become AAADM-certified inspectors, they will need to renew their membership on a yearly basis.

Vortex is one of only door companiescertified to provide courses and certifications at their state-of-the-art Training Center.

Do automatic doors have a safety standard?

All members of the American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers manufacture their automatic doors and components in compliance with the ANSI/BHMA Standard for Power Operated Pedestrian Doors, ANSI/BHMA A156.10-2011. This consensus-developed standard defines and governs such things as installation, sensing devices, and safety requirements for automatic pedestrian doors.

Vortex will only dispatch highly-trained AAADM-certified inspectors/technicians to inspect, repair, service, or replace automatic doors. We ensure that we provide the most efficient and safest door repair possible for your business. All repairs will be performed in accordance with ANSI 156.10, so you can be confident that your doors are up to the current standard. If your doors are found to be out of compliance, we will let you know what needs to be done to provide a system that meets the ANSI 156.10 standard.

Straightforward and safe to operate, automatic doors make entrances more accessible for a wider range of people. The AAADM keeps its certified members informed of the latest changes in automatic door technology and ensures that its technicians and inspectors adhere to strict safety standards during initial installations and future services. Quality-oriented consumers choose AAADM-certified professionals whenever they need to repair, maintain, or replace their automatic doors.

Vortex Doors has provided high-quality service and products for more than 80 years. Even before the AAADM was established and their certification program developed, Vortex Door installers and service technicians made the commitment to keep up with industry trends, learn about new equipment and safety requirements, and ensure that every installation met their high expectations. The only difference today is that Vortex Doors is able to partner with national organizations such as the AAADM to provide the same high-quality results, ensuring safe and reliable automatic door operation, whether at home or in a commercial environment.

As a family owned and operated business since 1937, Vortex is committed to providing you with a fast and thorough response to your needs. Vortex offers entrance door repairs, warehouse door installations, fire door installations, ADA compliance inspections and low-cost preventive maintenance inspections. For more information, contact Vortex Doors online or call 800-698-6783.

Automatic doors are great for your business, but they can become a liability issue when not maintained according to industry standards or when they malfunction. Once installed, an automatic door is only as good as the technician who inspects and repairs it. When it’s time for your automatic door’s annual check-up, the easiest way to verify that the technician is capable of performing the inspection and/or repair properly is to ask to see their AAADM certification.

Protections Provided with AAADM Certification

The American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers, or AAADM, is a trade association offering certification courses for power-operated automatic door technicians with a minimum of ninety days prior experience in the pedestrian door industry. AAADM certified technicians have received extensive training related to every component involved in manufacturing doors.

They are qualified to perform proper inspections according to the current ANSI 156.10 Safety Standards. Utilizing these standards will ensure that your door system is equipped with the most recent technology available for both safety and reliability.

These certified technicians have the knowledge to efficiently troubleshoot problems and resolve them. Having on-the-job training along with course work and certification protects clients by providing well-seasoned technicians with the expertise necessary to keep your automatic doors operating smoothly and reduce injury and liability.

When your customers arrive at your business, the first thing that they encounter is your door. Automatic doors make a positive impression on your customers by making it easy for them to come into your shop. Automatic doors can also help to make your business safer, quieter and more comfortable. With the automatic doors installed professionals, your customers will be able to enter your business with ease. Here are some additional benefits.

Eases Traffic Flow

Automatic doors make it easier to control traffic flow in and out of your store. Customers will not be slowed down by manual or revolving doors. They will be able to safely and easily walk through as the door opens for them.

Hands Free Solution

Automatic doors make it easy for your customers to enter and exit your building even if their hands are full. Parents holding the hands of their children will appreciate not having to let go of their child’s hands to open the door. The automatic doors are also convenient for patrons who have their hands full with shopping bags, a purse or a package after shopping in your store.

Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

Automatic doors are always in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Instead of relying on a manual door that is difficult for someone in a wheel chair or who walks with a cane or braces to open, these doors open automatically with just the touch of a button. These doors are built to be wide enough for a wheel chair to easily pass through.

Enhancement of Energy Efficiency

The automatic closing mechanisms are sensitive to the building’s construction and can be securely locked when your business is closed for the day. These automatic doors are also sensitive to weather conditions and will not allow unwanted air exchange with the outdoors. This can help to lower your business’s heating and cooling costs.

Professional Assistance

When you are ready to work with an authorized door repair company who specializes in commercial automatic doors, contact Vortex Doors. Vortex has been family-owned since 1937 and prides themselves in having fast, friendly service, with experienced technicians that have been trained at a proprietary state-of-the-art training center. For more information on these authorized door repair, contact Vortex Doors online or call 800-698-6783.

If you run a business where you have customers coming in and out of your premises, you most likely will want to consider automatic doors. Not only do automatic doors make your business more accessible, but it is also easier for people who have disabilities because as the name implies they automatically open based on a sensor. The right type of automatic doors can establish a professional and inviting atmosphere at your place of business. Read on to learn more.

Bi-Parting Sliding Doors

These are the most commonly installed type of automatic door available. They are also the safest systems to have and they require the least amount of maintenance than many other types of automatic doors. You can choose to have them installed as either two side-by-side doors, or you can invest in a single sliding door that will function by itself. While these systems can be advantageous for all types of buildings, business owners should make sure that they have enough room for the door to slide in either direction.

Swing Automatic Doors

If you do not have room for a sliding door, you can choose to invest in a swinging automatic door. These will usually require a guide rail system, which extends out from the wall at a distance of at least three feet. These doors can also be more efficient because they provide users with the ability to designate one door as an exit and one door as an entrance. However, this type of installation may not be ideal if the rail will impede pedestrian traffic. But if you have the room, swing automatic doors are a great choice.

Telescoping Doors

These doors are highly advantageous for business owners who do not have the room for either a sliding or a swinging door. Telescoping doors are designed to function in the same way as a sliding door, but they feature several panels that can fold in on each other as the doors open. This allows them to be fit in many different openings, while allowing them to open as necessary without impeding the traffic area or the walls around the door.

Professional Assistance

Regardless of the automatic door that you choose, you will need to maintain the door to make sure it is in tip top shape for safety of customers and personnel. Vortex Doors prides themselves in having fast, friendly service, with experienced technicians that have been trained at a proprietary state-of-the-art training center. All Vortex technicians are trained and certified by the American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM). For more information on access controls or any door for your business, contact Vortex Doors online or call 800-698-6783.

Automatic doors are essential to providing your customers ease of use when entering and exiting your business establishment. Whether a customer is elderly, handicapped, or has a baby in tow, automatic doors provide convenience for everyone. Like most things in life, automatic doors are prone to everyday wear and tear. Having a basic understanding of how your automatic doors work can help you recognize when you need service or repairs before it becomes a bigger and more expensive problem.

How They Work

Science and cutting edge technology play a big part in the operation of automatic doors. Built-in sensors allow automatic doors to open and close for customers with ease. Once the sensor has been triggered, the message is then relayed to the automatic door to open or close. Many doors also have a sensor that allows the customer to safely proceed through the doorway without the door hitting them. The specific mechanics vary per type of automatic door, but basically it is controlled by an electric motor that powers the internal belts to carry out the process of opening and closing the door. The most common types of automatic doors are swinging doors, single sliding doors, and bi-parting doors.

Potential Problems

Sometimes the internal operations that allow the proper opening and closing of the door can malfunction. These door systems can cause injury if not properly maintained and up to current safety standards. Repairs and upgrades can be less costly than taking a chance on a malfunction that can cause injury to a customer or employee. When you have a problem it is imperative to get the service of a professional you can trust. Automatic Door manufacturers recommend that all door systems meet ANSI 156.10 Safety Standards.

There are many things that could go wrong with the operation of your automatic door, including, but not limited to:

Door off track or break out was activated

Door not opening or closing properly

Unsafe speed for opening and closing of doors

Sensors not working properly

Professional Assistance

Automatic doors are both welcoming and accommodating to those coming into your place of business, but it is important to keep them maintained. If your automatic doors are not functioning properly, you should turn off the system and call an AAADM Certified Door Company immediately.

The professionals at Vortex have over 150 AAADM certified technicians and they understand when you have a problem, that you need fast and friendly service by an expert technician. For more information, contact Vortex Doors onlineor give us a call at 800-698-6783.